The human body consists of around 60 to 70 percent water – depending on age, gender and body composition. The brain and heart even consist of around 73 percent water, the lungs of around 83 percent and the blood of around 90 percent. Even our bones still contain around 31 percent water. And it’s not just our bodies – our emotions are also largely made up of water. This is because emotions are biochemical processes that take place in an aqueous environment. If this environment gets out of balance, we also get out of balance. <\/p>\n
These figures are not abstract biology – they are an invitation to understand water in a new way: not as a self-evident resource, but as the central medium of our lives. Every cell, every thought, every emotion, every healing happens in water and through water. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Water is involved in almost every physiological process in the body. It transports nutrients and oxygen to the cells, protects joints through synovial fluid, regulates body temperature through sweat, flushes out metabolic waste and toxins via the kidneys and intestines, aids digestion, enables chemical reactions in our cells and keeps the mucous membranes moist – from the respiratory tract to the intestines and eyes. <\/p>\n
The role of water for the brain is particularly important. The brain is the organ richest in water and is extremely sensitive to a lack of fluids. Even dehydration of just one to two percent of body weight – which is an amount we hardly notice – measurably impairs our ability to concentrate, short-term memory, mood and cognitive performance. We become more irritable, slower, more exhausted. We think less clearly. And we feel worse – not because the world has become more difficult, but because our brain simply lacks the resources to function optimally. <\/p>\n
This also has a direct impact on the emotional level. People who drink enough have been shown to be more relaxed, more balanced and more resilient. The muscles – including the heart muscles – work more smoothly. Tension is released more easily. The body can regenerate. Many people who suffer from chronic inner restlessness, irritability, exhaustion or diffuse headaches simply drink too little. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
In the short term, the signs of a lack of water are familiar: headaches, concentration problems, dry mouth, dark urine. But the really relevant effects become apparent in the long term – and are often not associated with the lack of drinking. Chronic dehydration is a silent precursor to numerous complaints and illnesses: <\/p>\n
Kidneys and urinary tract.<\/strong> If the blood is too concentrated, the kidneys have to filter more harmful substances with less fluid. Toxins and minerals are deposited, kidney and urinary tract infections develop more easily and kidney stones are more common. <\/p>\n Intestines and digestion.<\/strong> Water is essential for healthy intestinal peristalsis. A lack of water slows down intestinal motility, causes constipation and shifts the composition of the intestinal flora – with far-reaching consequences for the immune system, mood and nutrient absorption. <\/p>\n Heart and circulation.<\/strong> Too little water increases the viscosity of the blood. The heart has to pump harder to move the thicker blood. The risk of high blood pressure, thrombosis and cardiovascular disease increases in the long term. <\/p>\n Immune system.<\/strong> Immune cells are transported via the blood – if this transport is sluggish, the immune system reacts more slowly. At the same time, the mucous membranes, our first protective barrier against viruses and bacteria, dry out and become more permeable to pathogens. <\/p>\n Joints and connective tissue.<\/strong> Cartilage consists largely of water and requires a continuous supply of fluids to remain supple. Chronic dehydration promotes joint pain, stiffness and accelerated cartilage degradation. <\/p>\n Skin and external appearance.<\/strong> The skin is the body’s largest organ and reacts visibly to dehydration: it becomes pale, loses elasticity, appears wrinkled and dull. Many skin problems that are treated externally have their roots in insufficient internal hydration. <\/p>\n Chronic inflammatory readiness.<\/strong> One of the most underestimated consequences: Dehydration maintains a permanent subliminal state of inflammation in the tissues. This silent inflammatory state is a factor that plays a contributory role in almost every chronic disease – from autoimmune diseases to osteoarthritis and metabolic disorders. <\/p>\n In our integrative practice, we see time and again that people who consistently increase the amount of water they drink report significant improvements within a few weeks – more energy, fewer headaches, better digestion, a clearer head, calmer sleep. Water is not a miracle cure, but it is a basic remedy. And basic remedies work if they are used consistently. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Drinking enough gives the body the tools it needs to heal itself. The positive effects can be seen on several levels at the same time: <\/p>\n Detoxification and elimination.<\/strong> Well-hydrated kidneys can efficiently excrete harmful substances, metabolic waste and excess minerals. The body cleanses itself from the inside – a process that simply cannot work without sufficient water. <\/p>\n Intestine and absorption.<\/strong> A well-moisturized intestine can absorb nutrients better, regenerate the mucous membrane and maintain healthy intestinal flora. Many digestive complaints improve significantly just by drinking more consistently. <\/p>\n Brain and clarity.<\/strong> The brain reacts directly to hydration. People who drink more think more clearly, concentrate better, are more emotionally balanced and less prone to low moods. The link between water balance and mental well-being is direct and measurable. <\/p>\n Muscles and relaxation.<\/strong> Well-hydrated muscles are more supple, cramp less and recover more quickly. Many people notice that they are more relaxed overall – both physically and mentally – when they drink regularly. <\/p>\n Immune system and regeneration.<\/strong> A well-functioning immune system needs water as a transport medium. Immune cells circulate faster, inflammatory reactions can be broken down more efficiently and healing processes take place more quickly. <\/p>\n Skin and vitality.<\/strong> Sufficient water is the simplest and most effective skin care from the inside. The skin becomes more elastic, more radiant and regenerates faster – an effect that many people notice after just a few weeks. <\/p>\n We would recommend this to almost anyone with health problems – whether physical or mental: Try drinking two to three liters of water a day for two weeks, spread throughout the day. Not coffee, not juices, not tea as a substitute – but water. And observe what happens. This recommendation sounds banal. It is not. Precisely because of its simplicity, it is one of the most effective preventive and supportive measures there is. <\/p>\n Many therapists, doctors and even patients themselves underestimate the influence of hydration on healing processes. Yet it is fundamental. A body that is well supplied with water heals faster, responds better to therapies, is less prone to inflammation and has more capacity for regeneration. Water is one of the absolute basics – alongside fresh air, sunlight, light exercise, a healthy diet and social connection. Without these basics, even the most sophisticated therapeutic approaches cannot develop their full potential. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The often quoted recommendation is: eight glasses a day, i.e. about two liters. However, this formula is a simplification. The actual water requirement depends on many factors: Body weight, physical activity, outside temperature, diet, state of health and individual metabolic rate. A practical rule of thumb is: around 30 to 40 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per day – i.e. around two to two and a half liters for a 70-kilogram person. The requirement can be significantly higher during sport, heat or illness. <\/p>\n We also absorb water through food – especially through fruit and vegetables, which consist of 80 to 95 percent water. A water-rich diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, salads and fruit therefore makes a relevant contribution to hydration. However, it cannot replace direct water intake. <\/p>\n Hunger or thirst? An often overlooked connection. <\/strong> The brain processes hunger and thirst stimuli in the same area of the hypothalamus – and surprisingly often confuses them. What we interpret as hunger is in many cases a feeling of thirst that is not clearly perceived as such. Especially in people who are not used to drinking regularly, the feeling of thirst is often so blunted that the body signals hunger instead. A simple but effective practice: before you eat anything, first drink a large glass of water and wait ten minutes. In many cases, the supposed feeling of hunger will dissipate. This confusion also explains why regular drinking has such a noticeable effect on well-being, satiety and energy levels. <\/p>\n Less well known, but relevant: Too much water can also be harmful. Hyponatremia – a drop in the sodium level in the blood due to excessive drinking without adequate electrolyte balance – can lead to dizziness, nausea, confusion and, in extreme cases, life-threatening conditions. This risk mainly affects endurance athletes who drink very large quantities of pure water in a short period of time. In the everyday lives of healthy people, it is less of a problem, but a reason for conscious dosing. The motto is: drink regularly throughout the day, not in large quantities at once. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> For many people, sparkling mineral water is their favorite drink. This is understandable in terms of taste. However, there are some health aspects to consider. <\/p>\n Carbonic acid is carbon dioxide that is dissolved in water and forms carbonic acid (H\u2082CO\u2083). This slightly acidic compound can irritate the stomach lining in sensitive people, contribute to flatulence, bloating and heartburn and temporarily shift the natural pH value in the stomach. Anyone suffering from reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis or other mucosal problems would do well to switch to still water. <\/p>\n Carbon dioxide also stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can put a strain on some people’s digestion. The slightly acidic pH value of carbonated drinks is also not ideal for tooth enamel in the long term – although natural carbonated mineral water has a significantly less erosive effect than cola or fruit juices. <\/p>\n Still water – especially natural spring water – is the gentler choice from a physiological point of view. It does not burden the stomach or mucous membranes, is absorbed more quickly by the body and supplies the cells more directly. If you drink spring water from a clean, natural source, you also get naturally occurring minerals and trace elements with a bioavailability that is often superior to synthetic food supplements. In a sense, spring water is alive: It has made a natural path through the earth, been filtered through rock, mineralized and structured. Many people report that they notice a tangible difference in their vitality when they regularly drink high-quality spring water. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The choice of container in which we store and drink our water is more relevant to our health than many people realize. Plastic bottles – even those that are considered food-safe – can release chemical compounds into the water under certain conditions. <\/p>\n Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors, are particularly well known – in other words, they interfere with the hormone system and can have an impact on thyroid function, fertility, metabolism and the immune system even in very low concentrations. Although bottles containing BPA are increasingly being withdrawn from the market, the effects of the substitutes used (such as bisphenol S or F) have not been fully researched and may be similarly problematic. <\/p>\n Then there is the issue of microplastics. Studies show that water from plastic bottles contains measurable amounts of microplastic particles – and that these particles enter the human body, where they can accumulate in tissues. The long-term effects of this exposure have not yet been fully clarified, but there is good reason to be cautious. <\/p>\n Heat, light and long storage times significantly intensify these processes. Water that has been left in the blazing sun in a plastic container for a long time has been proven to contain more undesirable compounds than freshly bottled water. <\/p>\n Glass bottles are clearly superior here. Glass is chemically inert – it does not release any substances into the water, does not change the taste and enables hygienic, long-term use. Water in glass tastes different – many people find it clearer and fresher. High-quality stainless steel bottles made of food-safe stainless steel are a good mobile alternative. <\/p>\n In our practice, we consistently recommend: water in glass. If plastic is unavoidable, then BPA-free versions, short storage times, no direct sunlight. And never leave water bottles in the heat of the car. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Water stands for the same thing in almost all cultures and symbolic systems: for emotions, for movement, for life. The ebb and flow of the waves, the flowing, the pouring and withdrawing – these are all images for the emotional world of human beings. And it is no coincidence that the two – water and emotion – are so closely linked in the body. <\/p>\n In my practical experience, a silent but significant pattern emerges time and again: people who chronically drink too little are often also people who go through life in a kind of inner “beware” position. A certain rigidity, a controlled attitude, a restraint – not only when drinking, but also in their emotional experience. Life is lived, but not in its entirety. Not really. Not with everything that goes with it – the pain as well as the joy, the letting go as well as the arrival. <\/p>\n This often has to do with trauma. Not necessarily with the big, obvious shocks – even small, repetitive experiences of overwhelm, helplessness or emotional insecurity can lead to a person learning to close themselves off internally. Not to feel too much. Not to flow. And so sometimes holding back water becomes a physical expression of a deeper protective mechanism: if I don’t drink, I stay dry. Controlled. Safe. <\/p>\n When I ask people in my practice to drink more, I occasionally experience an unexpected difficulty in doing so. Not out of forgetfulness or indifference – but because drinking more water can actually mean getting more into flow. To feel more. And for those who have tended to keep their emotions at bay up to now, this flow may initially be overwhelming. Feeling overwhelmed. And intuitively want to return to a more familiar, more contained state. <\/p>\n This is not a failure – it is a sign that drinking here is not just a physical act, but a deeply personal one. An invitation to open up to life. To allow yourself to be moved. In thoughts, in feelings, in your own liveliness. <\/p>\n Water stands for mobility – in the body as well as in the soul. Those who start drinking again sometimes also begin to allow themselves to be alive again. With everything that goes with it. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Water cannot be taken for granted – neither on our planet nor in our bodies. It is the medium of life, of communication between cells, of regulation of body and mind. At a time when we are looking for ever more complex solutions to our health problems, it is worth pausing and asking: Have I drunk enough water today? <\/p>\n Fresh air, sunlight, light exercise, water, a healthy diet, social connection – these six basics are not a supplement to therapy. They are the basis on which any therapy can work. Water belongs at the top of this list. Because no healing process can be complete without water. <\/p>\n Start today. Put a glass bottle of still spring water on your desk. Drink it throughout the day – slowly, consciously, regularly. And observe what arises within you. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Water is the oldest remedy in the world – and at the same time the most underestimated. Before we talk about dietary supplements, therapies or complex healing methods: Are we drinking enough? This one question can change more than we realize. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7781,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[113,130,105,145,114,111,112],"tags":[331,117,320],"class_list":["post-7788","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basics-en","category-immune-system","category-intestinal-health","category-mitochondria","category-natural-help","category-nutrition","category-tips-tricks","tag-detoxification","tag-natural-help","tag-water-treatments"],"yoast_head":"\nThe healing power of drinking enough<\/h3>\n
How much is enough – and how much is too much?<\/h3>\n
Still water, sparkling water – does it make a difference?<\/h3>\n
Plastic bottles vs. glass bottles – an underestimated question<\/h3>\n
Water and emotions – in the flow of life<\/h3>\n
Back to the basics<\/h3>\n